There are four divisions within the Office of Coast Survey.  Each division reports directly to the Director, Coast Survey.

Marine Chart Division (MCD) 
MCD is the cartographic “engine” that is responsible for compiling and maintaining NOAA’s suite of paper and electronic charts.  MCD operates out of NOAA headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.  The workforce is composed primarily of cartographers and computer specialists. 

Hydrographic Surveys Division (HSD)
HSD manages the performance of government and contract hydrographic surveys that are used to update nautical charts.  HSD sets survey priorities, creates project instructions, and performs quality assurance in order to ensure that surveys meet NOAA standards.   

Coast Survey Development Laboratory (CSDL)
CSDL develops and improves cartographic, hydrographic, and oceanographic systems used by the Coast Survey and the National Ocean Service to provide products and services for the coastal marine community, especially in support of safe and efficient navigation and the utilization and protection of the coast. 
 
Navigation Services Division (NSD)
NSD provides a focal point for customer requests and associated responses on charting issues, short-term (fast response) hydrographic surveys, and Coast Pilot updates. The Navigation Services Division maintains a database on these customer requests, the responsible units, critical dates, and final responses. The Division coordinates and distributes Office of Coast Survey (OCS) information of importance to the customer, and represents OCS at constituent events such as harbor safety meetings, waterways management meetings, cooperative workshops, conferences, and boat shows. 

How Coast Survey Works
MCD is responsible for compiling and publishing the suite of nautical charts that encompass U.S. waters.  Products produced by MCD include:  1) Traditional paper charts, 2) Print on Demand paper charts, 3) Raster Navigational Charts (electronic) and 4) Electronic Navigational Charts (4).  MCD compiles weekly updates for most paper and electronic charting products.  At appropriate times, MCD will publish new editions of charts. 

NSD Navigation Managers working in the field and NSD personnel from Customer Affairs Branch, solicit feedback on NOAA charting products from the public.  NSD personnel are the “eyes and ears” of Coast Survey.  Very often, chart discrepancies are reported to Navigation Managers in different parts of the country.  Customers may also request that new surveys be conducted in order to update critical nautical charts. NSD personnel work with MCD cartographers to correct any discrepancies and/or improve charting products.  NSD personnel also provide feedback to HSD in regards to areas that might require new hydrographic surveys.

Based on information from nautical charting customers, HSD establishes priorities for future hydrographic surveys. Much of the information that appears on NOAA charts are based on surveys conducted over 50 years ago.  Today, with deeper draft vessels, mariners expect more accurate information on their nautical charts.   HSD ensures that surveys conducted by government field units and contractors meet NOAA standards.  Personnel from HSD process the hydrographic surveys and then apply the critical information to the affected charts.  HSD works closely with MCD in order to assure that new charts are produced accurately, and in a timely manner. 

Technology is a lynchpin of NOAA’s hydrographic and cartographic programs.  CSDL partners with HSD to explore and develop new hydrographic instrumentation that will make NOAA and private surveyors more efficient.  CSDL also works closely with MCD to develop automated cartographic technology.  CSDL also develops new GIS products that are spin-offs from the charting program.